The food-ventures that you can experience in downtown Washington DC is, literally, endless. Whatever you're doing for a waterfront dining experience, would like to experience fine dining in a five-star hotel, or sample an exquisite, innovative culinary concept, it's all right here in DC. 'Chocolate City', as it is sometimes fondly called, has seen a rush of incoming international-style diners in the past decade and some would argue that no other city within its vicinity has seen the same level of explosion.

Here, you'll find hip renaissance-style eateries, local pop-ups, unique coffee shops and creative cafés dotting the downtown dining scene. This says a lot about the growth the historic city's experienced through the years.

Below is a short list of favorite diners and restaurants located in various neighborhoods in DC

Georgetown – At The Intersection Of The Old And New
Boasting of a unique historic charm, Georgetown, one of Washington DC's oldest neighborhoods, has a smattering of chic locations throughout. Upscale, modern bars along M Street, quaint cafes are strewn across Wisconsin Avenue, while celebrated diners with five-star ratings to their names have diverse menus of options for people of all ages.

There are indoor and outdoor seats overlooking the stunning Potomac River, Kennedy Center, Watergate and Key Bridge available at the Sequoia Restaurant, traditional American fares at the family-owned Nick's Riverside Grille, and a delightful experience to have had the award-winning, flagship restaurant of Founding Farmers. The restaurants have the ability to attract tens of thousands of regular locales and new tourists rain or shine. Some charm the socks off their patrons with delectable dishes, while others leave a lasting impression because of its authentic, family-friendly urban farmhouse feel.

• Sequoia Restaurant
  The Washington Harbor
  3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
  (202) 944-4200
  Highlights: Sunday brunch buffet, wedding venue, and live jazz entertainment
• Nick's Riverside Grille
  3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
  (202) 342-3535
  Highlights: relaxing atmosphere, authentic pasta dishes, fresh-out-of-the-water seafood and scrumptious steaks
• Founding Farmers DC
  1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
  (202) 822-8783
  Highlights: authentic recipes, farm-to-table feel, classic and chic atmosphere

Shaw – A Conglomeration Of Hip Foodie Stops

It's been a long time coming that Shaw made a name for itself as one of the chicest neighborhoods in Washington DC. Charged with an eclectic feel, the streets are lined with raved-about restaurants, brag-worthy bars, and cool jazz lounges. If you're looking for fast food and quick eats, you'll soon be disappointed. Because it caters to foodies who demand exceptional service, florid designs, and slates of culinary masterpieces, it has a mish-mash of must-visit neighborhood restaurants that are all unique in their own ways.

Rows of 19th-century buildings now house family businesses, modern retail outlets and swanky theaters like Lincoln Theater and Howard Theater. It was, after all, famously called the 'Black Broadway'. While rustic 'The Pig' has walls lined up with fun pig-centric and historic signs, there are also quaint eateries at The Shay apartment building. The iconic Old Ebbitt Grill with its mahogany woodwork and classic beveled glass decor, located purely steps away from the White House, you'll get to sample authentic traditional American saloon food.

• The Pig
  1320 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
  (202) 290-2821
  Highlights: delicious sandwiches and large portions of food, a full bar with happy hour, and kid-friendly menu
• The Shay
  1924 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
  (855) 419-4683
  Highlights: wide variety, chic atmosphere, kid-friendly cafés and bakeries
• Old Ebbitt Grill
  675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
  (202) 347-4800
  Highlights: patronized by President Grant, Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Harding, journalists and celebs alike. Serves the best traditional upscale American saloon food that will bring you back in time

Diners and Restaurants Near The National Mall
Seeing The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol Building will evoke all types of patriotic emotions about the country's history. Even when you're surrounded by such majestic structures around America's front yard, tourists in their Washington DC charter buses are easily temped with delicious aromas wafting in from neighboring restaurants, diners, and cafes. The iconic structures' weight of importance are not outdone by but are complemented by the vast array of available memorable meals in town.

With Taylor Gourmet offering freshly-baked loaves and starters, fire-roasted meats, home-grown vegetables and ingredients and off-the-wall desserts to satisfies every palate, Occidental Grill & Seafood Restaurant, a walk from The White House, has everything from fresh oysters to classic traditional American cuisine. Occidental dates as far back as 110 years ago when it was founded by Henry Willard and it has become a staple stomping ground for foodies since then. You'll also be sending your taste buds on an adventure with a trip to China Chicano, or while savoring the diverse soul food offered by Sweet Home Cafe which is a fancy food court located on the grounds of the National African-American regional museum.

• Taylor Gourmet
  1116 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
  (202) 684-7001
  Highlights: delicious sandwiches, seasonal ingredients, gluten-free options, freshly-tossed salads
• Occidental Grill & Seafood Restaurant
  1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
  (202) 783-1475
  Highlights: romantic, high-end ambiance, delicious wines, a short distance from The National Theater, is wheelchair-accessible and is perfect even for Presidents
• China Chilcano
  418 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
  (202) 783-0941
  Highlights: an authentic cuisine that reflects Peruvian culture and traditions with a touch of influence from Chinese and Japanese cooking styles. Delicious cocktails, flexible menu and kid-friendly.
• Sweet Home Cafe
  at The National Museum of African American History and Culture
  1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
  (202) 633-4751
  Highlights: moderate prices, a wide selection of dies, sides, and desserts based on various regions in the United States.

There is plenty more where that list came from and we'll definitely be writing up more about the new finds as we go along. Even as you get on and off the rented charter bus from museums to art galleries, historic sites to iconic landmarks all around Washington DC, there are quaint gems to be found at every corner. When they say you'll be spoiled for choice, they're right.